THE Gallipoli Memorial Club is calling on Australian, New Zealand and Turkish artists to submit paintings to the $20, 000 Gallipoli Art Prize.

Entries for the prize close on  March 20, with the winner announced just before Anzac Day, on Monday April 23, in Sydney.

Artists are invited to submit one piece of original work produced in oil, acrylic, watercolour or mixed media and works do not need to reflect warfare or the Gallipoli conflict.

It is awarded to the artist whose work the panel of judges agree best depicts the spirit of the Gallipoli campaign as expressed in the Gallipoli Club’s “creed” which pertains to themes of loyalty, respect, love of country, courage, comradeship, peace and freedom.

The prize is now in its seventh year and was first won by Canberra artist Margaret Hadfield.

John McDonald, one of the prize’s panel of judges, says, “the experience of war is almost unimaginable to members of younger generations: it is art that does our remembering for us”.

A long-term aim is to put together a significant collection of works to commemorate the spirit of the Gallipoli campaign and all those who have served during the following century.

This spirit extends to the Turkish soldiers who were the Anzacs’ opponents in 1915.

The club sponsors a parallel version of this competition every year in Turkey.

Artworks are to be delivered from Sunday, March 18 to Tues, March, 20 between 10am and 4pm to the Gallipoli Club L2, 12 Loftus St, Sydney.

Full application details at www.gallipoli.com.au